As Freedom Fest is approaching, many of us are packing skis and snowboards to get ready sliding down the hill in some blue-red-white outfit. 

And I got it – it’s fun! But don’t underestimate how many people are coming to enjoy the last day on the slopes for the 2022/2023 season.

I was skiing a few of Freedom Fests – 2011 (Alpine Meadows), 2017, and 2019 (Palisades Tahoe, formerly Squaw Valley.)

It’s been a while since Alpine Meadows was open in July and I would say 2011 was a bit different – it was that time before all these multi-resorts season passes – it was exclusively Alpine Meadows season pass, so it was not too crowded. In recent years the idea of skiing in July has become more popular and romanticized and now brings a lot of skiers and riders to the Fest.

Even if you were skiing at previous Freedom Fests and were skiing last weekend at Alpine, please don’t skip the reading.

If you were coming to the resort frequently, you probably have seen that; if not – here is the most detailed current conditions report from the last weekend by  UnofficialAlpine .  Snow melts very fast! And despite excellent snow farming by the Alpine team, the number of trails is very limited, and with so many people coming to the resort, they get very crowded.

The snow itself is very variable now, ranging from firm slopes in the morning (in case there was a refreeze) to all the variety like corn, cream cheese, mashed potatoes.. etc. Skiing this variable snow could be challenging if you’re a beginner. Firm snow is very fast and you need to keep that in mind and control your speed.  Slushy snow is very slow, and it can grab your skis and knock you off balance.

If you’re an expert, please avoid passing your fellow skiers and riders on the narrow trail down to the chair lift. There is the chance the person you’re passing might catch that slushy bump or an edge, lose control, and turn the side you don’t expect, and you might slide into them.

Please be extra careful on crowded runouts to the lifts. It’s always a good thing to look across your shoulder before turning. I know, snowboarders, it’s not easy for you, guys, but please try your best! In the end, we all want to enjoy skiing or riding, and no one wants to end up in the Emergency room with broken bones and bruises.

Don’t forget there are small kids on the slope too! If you’re a parent coming with your little one, it’s probably better to ski behind so you can always see your kid in front of you!

Please, leave your selfie sticks at home or at least out while you’re skiing on a crowded slope.

Be polite to your fellow skiers and riders – don’t cut the lines!

Stay in control all the time and keep your distance from your fellow partygoers on the slope! Let’s make that Fest safe for everyone!

Don’t forget to make reservations for the parking at Alpine lot or park for free at Palisades and take a shuttle (check Palisades Tahoe Blog for all the up-to-date information.)

And please don’t litter, and keep Tahoe Blue!

Here is a photo tour from a few past Freedom Fests. If you recognize yourself in the photos – let us know, and we will send you an original picture 🙂

Freedom Fest 2011 Photo Tour